Problems with Yukon RCMP boat before drowning

Inquest hears no rules, no training to operate boat that capsized

A coroner's inquest has heard that before Yukon RCMP Const. Michael Potvin drowned, there were problems with the police boat that capsized, throwing him and another officer into the Stewart River at Mayo.

Const. Andreas Seidemann testified he used the boat approximately 10 times for fishing and hunting trips in the year before Potvin's death in July 2010. On one trip, he said the boat's motor stalled and waves started coming over the back. He said it was a close call.

Seidemann said he never wrote a report on the incident, but told his supervisors about it and even mentioned it to Potvin.

He said he did not know of any rules for using RCMP boats and was never certified to use them. He also never wore a life jacket while in the boat and did not know he was required to so.